Peer Support

The goal of EMbrace Program is to promote staff well-being.

Peer Support is an integral part of the EMbrace Program service.
Peer Supporters are selected staff specifically trained to assist and support fellow workers with either work related or personal difficulties.
Peer Supporters are carefully selected on the basis of trust, integrity and a genuine interest in the health and wellbeing of fellow workers.

The Peer Support Role

Peer Supporters provide:

One-on-one support and or group support after a critical incidents

Understanding and acceptance of feelings and experiences

Referral to professional counselling, if required

Basic EMbrace Program Awareness Training

Peer Supporters are NOT counsellors and thereby have limitations to their role; however, they will at all times help others to appropriately seek professional counselling support.

Volunteers are able to access a list of peer supporters for every region by visiting the Volunteer Portal and navigating to the EMbrace Program site under the "Safety and Support" heading.

Critical Incident Stress Management

Peer Supporters are often involved when an event of high emotional impact arises. In this case they may:

Touch base with individuals or groups exposed to an incident by simply offer practical support and if requested help people discuss their reactions.

Liaise closely with professional EMbrace Program Counsellors to arrange further assistance such as individual counselling

Confidentiality

Peer Supporters are required to maintain to strict confidentiality in all interactions with fellow workers. To this end, Peer Supporters sign a Statement of Agreement and a Code of Ethics, binding them to the guidelines, policies and procedures of EMbrace Program, which are in accordance with the DES Privacy Policy Statement (refer section 15.6 of the DES Financial Management Practices Manual)
EMbrace Program information may only be revealed when:

It is a legal requirement to disclose information

Failure to disclose information would place the client or another person at risk

The Client's written consent has been obtained to release the information to another person or agency

At times an audit will be conducted, during which, an external auditor will be engaged to verify invoices paid to counsellors

We collect your personal information (e.g. email address details) to address your matter and will only disclose it to third parties if authorised by law or with your consent. To find out further information, please refer to our privacy statement